The NHS is urging the public to check for changes in their body which could be signs of cancer at least once every three weeks.

England’s top cancer doctor insists we must regularly check in with our bodies as the NHS today releases its list of changes to look out for. Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England’s cancer director, said it is vital to get them checked out by a GP as soon as possible so they can help rule it out.

It comes as they release polling of 2,000 Brits showing people are more likely to regularly check their bank balance, the weather forecast and sport results than they are to check for changes in their body.

Prof Johnson said: “It is so important to know what is normal for you, although we all find a host of other things to think about rather than checking for any changes in our bodies. That’s why I want to encourage everyone to make it a part of your routine – finding a way that works for you might just save your life. If you do spot something worrying, get in touch with your GP surgery, who can investigate for you. It’s unlikely to be cancer, but if there is something wrong, the earlier it is found, the better the chance of treatment being successful.”

The survey showed the least recognised as a sign of cancer is heartburn and indigestion, with 79% of people not identifying heartburn that lasts three weeks or more as a potential sign of cancer. Some 55% did not recognise blood in your pee (even just once); 49% did not recognise unexplained weight loss, and 42% did not recognise an unexplained lump anywhere as a potential sign of cancer.

Manveet Basra, associate director at Breast Cancer Now, said: “Around two thirds of breast cancers in England are found when women detect a new or unusual breast change and get this checked out by a GP. That’s why it’s so important that every woman is supported and empowered to know the importance of regular breast checking and the many different signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

“The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chance of successful treatment, and lives being saved from the disease. With our latest research finding that over 2 in 5 women in the UK aren’t regularly checking their breasts, we want to help get it back on their agenda. Checking your breasts only takes a few minutes. And there’s no right way to check, as long as you’re doing it regularly. Check your whole breast area, armpits and up to your collarbone. Remember to get any new or unusual breast changes checked by a GP.”

The NHS wants to normalise the routine checking of our bodies for cancer signs. Since 2023 the health service has partnered with organisations including leading supermarkets and leisure centres to encourage the public to be body aware. Millions of household items such as toilet roll, toothpaste and underwear with cancer messaging have been sold. There are now stickers on gym toilet cubicles and mirrors, and urinal mats in men’s toilets across the country reminding the public of the signs of cancer.

Owen Carter, National Clinical Adviser at Macmillan Cancer Support said: “Getting signs and symptoms checked by a GP is crucial if you may be concerned about changes in your body. It is important to remember that symptoms do not always mean you have cancer, but it’s good to get them checked out. We know that the earlier cancer is detected and treated, the better the outcomes are.”

The NHS survey of 2,000 Brits found that only four in ten look for changes to their bodies at least once every three weeks. NHS leaders say this is vital in spotting potential signs of cancer.

This compared to 80% of people regularly checking their bank balance, 70% regularly checking the weather forecast and 42% regularly checking sport results.

Rob McPherson, an amateur football player and bowel cancer survivor from Manchester, experienced stomach pain, diarrhoea and nausea before being diagnosed and undergoing treatment in 2017. He went back to his passion of playing football months later and urges people to get checked if they don’t feel right.

Rob said “As a bowel cancer survivor, I would encourage everyone to contact your GP if you notice any unusual changes to your body – for me, it was having persistent stomach troubles for well over three weeks.

“My story shows that cancer can affect anyone no matter how active you are, and you should never put off getting checked if you feel that something isn’t right. Thanks to the brilliant care I received from the NHS, I am now cancer-free and able to do the things I love like playing football and spending time with my partner, family, and friends. Remember, you know your body best, so pay attention to any warning signs and get checked as soon as possible if you’re concerned.”

Sam Ritchie, an A&E operations manager and single mother of two, noticed a pink rash on her breast in the autumn of 2023. Sensing that something wasn’t right, she went to see her GP who referred her to a one-stop-breast clinic. She found out the results of scans straight away, revealing a lump behind her nipple. Sam was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in October 2023, began chemotherapy within a matter of months and underwent surgery to remove the tumour in June. By July, she got the ‘all clear’.

Sam said: “Being diagnosed with breast cancer came as a huge shock to me. However, I am so glad I listened to my body when I felt something wasn’t right and acted quickly. I’d urge everyone to not put off getting help if something in your body doesn’t feel right and to contact your GP practice as soon as possible. Don’t be afraid to come forward and get the help you need.”

Monthly data published last week shows that more than four fifths of people received the all clear or definitive cancer diagnosis within four weeks of an urgent cancer referral – the highest proportion on record.

Recent data on 13 of the most common cancers, such as breast, prostate and lung cancer, shows that nearly three in five patients are now being diagnosed at stages one or two, when cancer is easier to treat and the chance of survival is higher.

Going for tests can be a worrying time so if you need support while waiting for tests, or just want someone to talk to, call the Macmillan Support Line free on 0808 808 00 00.

At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Cookie Notice.